Disposable absorbent article

Abstract

The utility model relates to personal hygiene nursing product technical field, concretely relates to a disposable absorbent article. The absorbent article has the longitudinal direction along the length direction, the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and thickness direction and includes the surface layer from top to bottom in the thickness direction, the flow guide layer, three -dimensional absorbent core layer and the bottom membrane, and the absorbent article is divided into the front absorbent area, the middle absorbent area and the rear absorbent area from front to back in the longitudinal direction, and the absorbent article at least part located in the middle absorbent area region still includes the additional absorbent layer between the surface layer and the flow guide layer. The utility model discloses an additional additional absorbent layer structure in the middle absorbent area region of disposable absorbent article is arranged, makes the height difference formed with the periphery in this area, realizes the optimized fit effect of product and human body secret part, realizes better liquid management and the effect of preventing leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of personal hygiene care products, specifically to a disposable absorbent product. Background Technology

[0002] Existing disposable absorbent personal care products (such as sanitary napkins and panty liners) generally adopt a traditional flat laminated structure design. This two-dimensional linear structure has a significant mismatch with the complex three-dimensional curved curves of the female perineum. The female private area has unique physiological curvature, and its shape changes dynamically under different body positions (such as standing, sitting, lying down, or exercising). The current mainstream flat product design obviously cannot adapt to this three-dimensional ergonomic requirement. This structural design defect results in a gap between the product and the skin during actual use, failing to achieve a truly adequate fit. This lack of fit becomes more pronounced, especially during daily activities or changes in body position, severely affecting the product's effectiveness and comfort.

[0003] Furthermore, existing sanitary napkin products suffer from a significant lack of refinement in the application of materials in different areas. Traditional sanitary napkins generally employ a homogeneous material distribution strategy, failing to differentiate material configurations based on the actual needs of different functional zones. Regarding the distribution of absorbent layer materials, current mainstream sanitary napkin products generally suffer from overly simplistic structural designs. Specifically, they use a single-component, uniformly thick absorbent core throughout the entire length of the product. This crude material layout fails to fully consider the actual distribution patterns and flow characteristics of menstrual blood during a woman's menstrual cycle. Most existing products use simple linear gradients or uniform distribution methods for their absorbent cores, without employing differentiated materials for different functional zones, resulting in an inability to achieve precise fluid management. This "one-size-fits-all" material distribution not only leads to low material utilization efficiency but also causes problems such as premature saturation and delayed absorption in localized areas, severely impacting the product's actual performance and user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a disposable absorbent product that fits the human body.

[0005] This utility model provides a disposable absorbent article, which has a longitudinal direction along its length, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a thickness direction, including a surface layer, a flow guiding layer, a three-dimensional absorbent core layer, and a bottom film from top to bottom in the thickness direction. The absorbent article is divided into a front absorbent region, a middle absorbent region, and a rear absorbent region from front to back in the length direction. The absorbent article located at least partly in the middle absorbent region also includes an additional absorbent layer located between the surface layer and the flow guiding layer.

[0006] This invention achieves an optimized fit between the product and the intimate area of ​​the body by incorporating an additional absorbent layer within the central absorbent zone of the disposable absorbent product. This additional absorbent layer design not only solves the problem of insufficient fit between traditional sanitary napkins and the body, but also achieves better liquid management and leak-proof performance through the clever use of height difference.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the front absorption region includes a first absorption unit, the middle absorption region includes a second absorption unit, and the rear absorption region includes a third absorption unit. The portion of the three-dimensional absorption core layer located within the regions of the first absorption unit, the second absorption unit, and the third absorption unit constitutes the first absorption core, and the portion of the three-dimensional absorption core layer located outside the regions of the first absorption unit, the second absorption unit, and the third absorption unit constitutes the second absorption core. The basis weight of the second absorption core is less than the basis weight of the first absorption core.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first absorption unit, the second absorption unit, and the third absorption unit are arranged symmetrically along the longitudinal centerline of the disposable absorbent article.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the basis weights of the first absorbent core located in the regions of the first absorbent unit, the second absorbent unit, and the third absorbent unit are 100-300 gsm, 100-570 gsm, and 100-300 gsm, respectively.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the basis weight of the second absorbent core is 80-570 gsm.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the additional absorption layer is located within the second absorption unit and has an outer contour of arbitrary shape, and the area of ​​the additional absorption layer is not greater than the area of ​​the second absorption unit.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the absorbent article located within the outer contour of the additional absorbent layer is 0.5 mm to 10 mm higher than the remaining portion.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first absorbent core is 0.5 mm to 10 mm higher than the second absorbent core.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the top of the surface layer is covered with flaps on both lateral sides.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate absorption region has raised portions on both sides of the transverse direction that are higher than the surface layer. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the disposable absorbent product of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional absorbent core layer of a disposable absorbent product;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view at points AA and A'-A';

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at BB and B'-B';

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Sectional view at point CC.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 11-Surface layer; 12-Additional absorption layer; 13-Guiding layer; 14-Three-dimensional absorption core layer; 141-First absorption core; 142-Second absorption core; 15-Bottom film; 21-Front absorption zone; 211-First absorption unit; 22-Middle absorption zone; 221-Second absorption unit; 23-Rear absorption zone; 231-Third absorption unit; 32-Raised portion; 150-Wing; L-Longitudinal; W-Transverse; H-Thickness direction. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The embodiments given are only for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0025] The schematic solutions of the technical solutions disclosed in this utility model are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the drawings are provided to illustrate some embodiments of this utility model, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to the dimensions of the specific embodiments, and certain features may be enlarged, removed, or partially cut to better illustrate and explain the disclosure of this utility model. Some components in the drawings may be repositioned according to actual needs without affecting the technical effect. The phrase "in the drawings" or similar terms appearing in the specification do not necessarily refer to all drawings or examples.

[0026] Certain directional terms used in the description of the accompanying drawings below, such as “inner,” “outer,” “above,” “below,” and other directional terms, will be understood to have their normal meaning and refer to those directions as normally viewed in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the directional terms used in this specification are generally in accordance with the conventional directions understood by those skilled in the art.

[0027] The terms “first,” “first,” “second,” “second,” and similar terms used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0028] As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to an article that can be placed close to or near the wearer's body (i.e., adjacent to the body) to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, and semi-solid excretions from the body. As described herein, such absorbent articles are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use, rather than washed or otherwise restored for reuse. It should be understood that the invention is applicable to a variety of disposable absorbent articles, including but not limited to diapers, training pants, youth pants, swim trunks, feminine hygiene products including but not limited to menstrual pads, sanitary napkins, feminine linings, panty liners, and incontinence products, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] As used herein, the terms "disposable" or "reusable" are used to describe absorbent articles that are not typically intended to be washed or otherwise restored to or reused as absorbent articles (e.g., they are designed to be discarded after a single use and may also be configured to be recyclable, composted, or disposed of in other environmentally compatible ways). Embodiments of absorbent articles described herein are disposable.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “superabsorbent material,” “SAM (Super Absorbent Material),” “superabsorbent polymer,” “superabsorbent agent,” or “SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer)” are used interchangeably and refer to polymers that can absorb and retain a very large amount of liquid relative to their own mass. Superabsorbent polymers are classified as crosslinkable hydrogels that absorb aqueous solutions through hydrogen bonds and other polar forces with water molecules. The water-absorbing capacity of SAP is based in part on its degree of ionization (a coefficient of ion concentration in aqueous solutions) and the hydrophilic functional polar groups of SAP. SAP is typically produced by the polymerization of acrylic acid with sodium hydroxide in the presence of an initiator to form sodium polyacrylate (sometimes called sodium polyacrylate). Other materials are also used to prepare superabsorbent polymers, such as polyacrylamide copolymers, ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymers, crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, crosslinked polyethylene oxide, and starch-grafted copolymers of polyacrylonitrile. SAP can be present in absorbent articles in particulate or fibrous form or as a coating on another material or fiber.

[0031] As used herein, the term "fluff" refers to a fluffy fibrous aggregate formed by dissociating lignocellulosic raw materials through mechanical or chemimechanical methods. Such lignocellulosic raw materials may include, but are not limited to, lignocellulose materials such as softwood pulp and hardwood pulp, pulpboard made from materials such as pine, fir, and eucalyptus, and functional fiber materials such as specially treated regenerated cellulose fibers and modified wood pulp fibers. As used herein, the term "tissue" refers to a fibrous network functional layer used for directional liquid transport and interface control. Such tissue materials may include, but are not limited to, synthetic fiber materials such as spunlace nonwovens and spunbond-meltblown composite webs, tissue materials made from polymers such as polypropylene and polyethylene / polyester bicomponents, and functional substrates such as specially treated natural fiber webs and biodegradable plant fiber membranes.

[0032] As used herein, the term "composite core" refers to a composite laminated functional structure composed of layers of liquid-absorbent raw materials. Such composite cores may include, but are not limited to, composite structures composed of liquid-permeable nonwoven sheets as top and bottom layers, air-laid nonwoven sheets or hot-air nonwoven sheets as core support layers (single-layer or multi-layer laminated structures), and super-absorbent polymers (SAP) as absorbent material layers. Composite cores made of polypropylene-based nonwoven materials, polyethylene or polyester composite support layers, sodium polyacrylate super-absorbent layers, etc., as well as functional composite cores containing biodegradable plant fiber substrates, natural fiber absorbent layers, etc., or mixtures of fluff pulp and super-absorbent polymers wrapped in thin-layer materials.

[0033] As used herein, the term "bonded" refers to the joining, adhesion, connection, attachment, etc., of two elements. When they are joined, adhered, connected, attached, etc., directly or indirectly to each other, such as when joined to an intermediate element, the two elements are considered to be bonded together. Bonding can be achieved, for example, by adhesives, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, splicing, stitching, and / or welding.

[0034] As used herein, the term "composite fiber" refers to a fiber formed from at least two polymer sources extruded from separate extruders and spun together to form a single fiber. Composite fibers are sometimes also called bicomponent fibers or multicomponent fibers. The polymers are arranged in different regions that are substantially constantly positioned across the cross-section of the composite fiber and extend continuously along the length of the composite fiber. Such composite fibers can be configured, for example, as a sheath / core arrangement, wherein one polymer is surrounded by another polymer, or as a side-by-side arrangement, a disc arrangement, or an "island" arrangement. Composite fibers are taught by U.S. Patent No. 5,108,820 to Kaneko et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,795,668 to Krueger et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,540,992 to Marcher et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,336,552 to Strack et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,425,987 to Shawver et al., and U.S. Patent No. 5,382,400 to Pike et al., the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. For bicomponent fibers, the polymer can be present in a ratio of 75 / 25, 50 / 50, 25 / 75, or any other desired ratio. Additionally, polymer additives, such as processing aids, can be included in each zone.

[0035] As used herein, the term "membrane" refers to a thermoplastic film prepared using extrusion and / or forming methods such as cast film or blown film extrusion methods. The term includes open-cell membranes, slit membranes, and other porous membranes constituting liquid transfer membranes, as well as membranes that do not transfer fluids, such as, but not limited to, barrier membranes, filled membranes, permeable membranes, and oriented membranes.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "nonwoven fabric" or "nonwoven web" refer to a web having a structure of individual fibers or threads arranged in layers, but not in an identifiable manner (as in knitted fabrics). Nonwoven fabrics or webs have been formed by a variety of processes, such as meltblown, spunbond, and air-permeable bonded carded web (also known as BCW and TABCW). The basis weight of nonwoven webs can typically vary, such as from about 5, 10, or 20 gsm to about 120, 125, or 150 gsm.

[0037] As used in this article, gsm refers to grams per square meter.

[0038] Disposable absorbent fabrics and their components have two main surfaces. The surface facing the wearer's crotch, where it is worn, is called the "skin-side surface," and the opposite surface is called the "clothing-side surface." Furthermore, the length direction of the disposable absorbent fabric is called the "longitudinal direction." Figure 1 The longitudinal line L is used to indicate this. The direction orthogonal to the aforementioned longitudinal direction is called the "lateral direction". Figure 1 It is marked with a long horizontal line W.

[0039] Single absorbent products

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, this utility model provides a disposable absorbent article, which has a longitudinal direction L along the length direction, a transverse direction W perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, and a thickness direction H, and includes a surface layer 11, a flow guiding layer 13, a three-dimensional absorbent core layer 14, and a bottom film 15 from top to bottom in the thickness direction H. The absorbent article, which is at least partially located in the middle absorption region 22, also includes an additional absorbent layer 12 located between the surface layer 11 and the flow guiding layer 13.

[0041] In one embodiment, the front absorption region 21 includes a first absorption unit 211, the middle absorption region 22 includes a second absorption unit 221, and the rear absorption region 23 includes a third absorption unit 231. It is understood that the additional absorption layer 12 can have an outer contour of any suitable shape; that is, the overall shape of the additional absorption layer 12 can vary as desired and can include any of various shapes, including but not limited to triangles, rectangles, dog-bone shapes, ellipses, trapezoids, T-shapes, I-shapes, and hourglass shapes. In a preferred embodiment, the additional absorption layer 12 is located within the second absorption unit 221 and generally shaped as follows: Figure 1 The absorption region 22 is teardrop-shaped, and the area of ​​the additional absorption layer 12 is smaller than the area of ​​the second absorption unit 221. The tip of the teardrop shape (i.e., the thinner, sharper end of the teardrop shape) is longitudinally ahead of the blunt end (i.e., the relatively rounded, thicker end of the teardrop shape). In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the absorbent article located within the teardrop shape, i.e., within the outer contour of the additional absorption layer 12, is 0.5 mm to 10 mm higher than the remaining portion, preferably 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0042] The additional absorbent layer 12 can be a functional fiber material processed through textile technology, primarily used to enhance the product's comfort, absorbency, and protective properties. These materials can be categorized based on their fiber source as natural fibers (such as cotton and bamboo pulp), synthetic fibers (such as polypropylene and polyester), and blended fibers, and can be formed into different structures through processes such as weaving, non-woven, or three-dimensional weaving. Furthermore, the additional absorbent layer 12 can also be any appropriately fluffy material or a nonwoven fabric of a certain thickness that is soft or elastic, such as hot-air nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, or spunbond-meltblown nonwoven fabric.

[0043] This invention utilizes an additional absorbent layer 12 within the central absorbent zone 22. This layer, constructed from highly permeable textile material, creates a central rapid-flow channel, significantly improving liquid absorption efficiency in key areas. Simultaneously, the dense structure effectively prevents backflow, and the thickened design forms a micro-convex structure conforming to the human body, enhancing the fit between the central zone and the body, reducing movement displacement, and optimizing overall comfort while maintaining functionality. Furthermore, the additional absorbent layer 12 structure creates a height difference between this area and the surrounding area, achieving an optimized fit between the product and the intimate parts of the body. This additional absorbent layer 12 design not only solves the problem of insufficient fit in traditional sanitary napkins but also achieves better liquid management and leak-proof performance through the clever use of height differences.

[0044] The components and additional parts of the disposable absorbent product will be described in more detail below.

[0045] Three-dimensional absorption core layer

[0046] In one embodiment, the first absorption unit 211, the second absorption unit 221 and the third absorption unit 231 are arranged symmetrically along the longitudinal centerline of the disposable absorbent article.

[0047] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The portion of the three-dimensional absorption core layer 14 located within the regions of the first absorption unit 211, the second absorption unit 221, and the third absorption unit 231 constitutes the first absorption core 141, and the portion of the three-dimensional absorption core layer 14 located outside the regions of the first absorption unit 211, the second absorption unit 221, and the third absorption unit 231 constitutes the second absorption core 142.

[0048] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first absorbent core 141 can be at least one of fluff and / or a superabsorbent material, and the second absorbent core 142 can be any suitable composite core as defined in the terminology definition section, preferably a mixture of fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymer material wrapped in a thin layer of material. Furthermore, the second absorbent core 142 can also be at least one of fluff or a superabsorbent material. Compared to the second absorbent core 142, the first absorbent core 141 has a higher basis weight and a greater thickness. Therefore, using the first absorbent core 141 in the regions of the first absorbent unit 211 and the third absorbent unit 231 can block liquid in terms of thickness, preventing liquid leakage from the edges of the disposable absorbent article; using the first absorbent core 141 in the high-flow core region, i.e., within the second absorbent unit 221, can significantly improve the liquid handling capacity of the disposable absorbent article. Using the second absorbent core 142 in the remaining non-critical regions of the three-dimensional absorbent core layer 14 allows the disposable absorbent article of this invention to achieve a balance between user comfort and economy.

[0049] The three-dimensional absorbent core layer 14 of this invention solves the problem of liquid management by using different core materials in different areas, i.e., precise partitioning of the three-dimensional absorbent core layer 14. It also controls the overall cost through a reasonable layout. Furthermore, the differentiated thickness design of the additional absorbent layer 12 in the central absorbent area achieves an optimized fit between the product and the intimate parts of the body. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first absorbent core 141 and the second absorbent core 142 can be made of any material, as long as the first absorbent core 141 has a higher basis weight and a greater thickness compared to the second absorbent core 142.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the basis weight of the first absorbent core 141 located in the regions of the first absorbent unit, the second absorbent unit, and the third absorbent unit can be 100-300 gsm, 100-570 gsm, and 100-300 gsm, respectively. In another preferred embodiment, the basis weight of the second absorbent core 142 is 80-250 gsm.

[0051] Furthermore, the first absorbent core 141 is 0.5 mm to 10 mm higher than the second absorbent core 142, preferably 2 mm to 3 mm higher.

[0052] Furthermore, the overall shape of the first absorption unit 211, the second absorption unit 221, and the third absorption unit 231 can be varied as desired, and can include any of various shapes, including but not limited to triangles, rectangles, dog-bone shapes, ellipses, trapezoids, T-shapes, I-shapes, and hourglass shapes. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, such as Figure 2As shown, the first absorption unit 211 is generally in the shape of an upwardly convex arc, the second absorption unit 221 is generally in the shape of a racetrack, and the third absorption unit 231 is generally in the shape of a fan.

[0053] In various embodiments, the three-dimensional absorbent core layer 14 may also be formed of a variety of different materials. For example, the three-dimensional absorbent core layer 14 may include a layer of absorbent material consisting of cellulose fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, loosely woven webs or other stable structures, superabsorbent materials, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, pigments, detergents, deodorants, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the absorbent material may include a matrix of cellulose fibers. In various embodiments, the absorbent material may include a matrix of cellulose fibers and may also include superabsorbent materials. Cellulose fibers may include blends of wood pulp fibers.

[0054] In various embodiments, the three-dimensional absorbent core 14 may include, if desired, an optional amount of superabsorbent material. Examples of suitable superabsorbent materials may include poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid), poly(acrylamide), poly(vinyl ether), copolymers of maleic anhydride with vinyl ether and α-olefin, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylmorpholinone), poly(vinyl alcohol), and their salts and copolymers. Other superabsorbent materials may include unmodified and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid-grafted starch, methylcellulose, deacetylated chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and natural gums such as alginate, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, etc. Mixtures of natural and fully or partially synthetic superabsorbent polymers may also be used. The superabsorbent material may be present in the three-dimensional absorbent core 14 in any amount as desired.

[0055] wing

[0056] Reference Figure 1 The top of the surface layer 11 is covered with fins 150 on both sides of the transverse W, and the middle absorption region 22 has a raised portion 32 on both sides of the transverse W that is higher than the surface layer 11.

[0057] Specifically, a portion of the flap 150 can be attached to the surface layer 11 in any manner, and the flap 150 or the surface layer 11 can also be attached to the bottom film 15 to seal the disposable absorbent article. The flap 150 extends in the transverse direction W. The flap 150 can hang over the edge of the wearer's underwear, such that the flap 150 is positioned between the edge of the wearer's underwear and her thigh. The flap 150 can serve at least two purposes. First, the flap 150 can prevent soiling of the wearer's underwear by forming a barrier along the edge of the underwear. Second, the flap 150 can be provided with a fastening system, such as clothing adhesive or hooks, to securely and properly position the disposable absorbent article in the underwear. The flap 150 can wrap around the crotch area of ​​the wearer's underwear to help secure the disposable absorbent article to the wearer's underwear during use. Examples of the process for the wing 150 include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,059,114 to Richards, U.S. Patent No. 4,862,574 to Hassim et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,342,647 to Heindel et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,070,672 to Alcantara et al., U.S. Publication No. 2004 / 0040650 to Venturino et al., and International Publication No. WO1997 / 040804 to Emenaker et al., the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the flap 150 located within the central absorption zone 22 is not bonded to the surface layer 11; that is, the portion of the flap 150 located within the central absorption zone 22 is separated from the surface layer 11, and discontinuous embossing is performed on the portion of the flap 150 located within the central absorption zone 22. During use of the absorbent product, after the flap 150 is folded down and adhered to the underwear, the portion within the embossed area forms a raised portion 32 slightly higher than the upper surface of the surface layer 11. This raised portion 32 protrudes towards the wearer, thereby effectively preventing liquid from overflowing from the sides of the absorbent product.

[0059] surface layer

[0060] In this invention, the surface layer 11 can be made of various sheet materials with good liquid permeability, including but not limited to woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, or breathable films. In various embodiments, the surface layer 11 can be constructed from various nonwoven webs such as meltblown webs, spunbond webs, hydroentangled webs, or air-permeable combined carded webs. Examples of suitable surface layer 11 materials include, but are not limited to, natural fiber webs (such as cotton), rayon, hydroentangled webs, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or other thermally bondable fibers (such as bicomponent fibers), polyolefins, copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and combined carded webs of aliphatic esters (such as polylactic acid). Fine-porous membranes and mesh materials can also be used, as well as laminates of these materials or combinations thereof. A suitable example of a suitable material for the surface layer 11 is a porous polyethylene membrane material. A suitable example of the surface layer 11 can be a combined carded web made of polypropylene and polyethylene, such as a combined carded web available from Sandler Corp. in Germany. U.S. Patent 4,801,494 to Datta et al., U.S. Patent 4,908,026 to Sukiennik et al., and WO 2009 / 062998 to Texol teach a variety of other materials that can be used as surface layer 11, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other surface layer 11 materials may include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent 4,397,644 to Matthews et al., U.S. Patent 4,629,643 to Curro et al., U.S. Patent 5,188,625 to Van Iten et al., U.S. Patent 5,382,400 to Pike et al., U.S. Patent 5,533,991 to Kirby et al., U.S. Patent 6,410,823 to Daley et al., and U.S. Publication No. 2012 / 0289917 to Abuto et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0061] In various embodiments, the surface layer 11 may include a plurality of pores (not shown) formed therethrough to allow bodily effluents to more easily enter the guide layer 13 or the additional absorbent layer 12. These pores may be arranged randomly or uniformly throughout the surface layer 11, or they may be located in narrow longitudinal strips or bars arranged along the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article 10. The size, shape, diameter, and number of pores may vary to suit the specific needs of the absorbent article.

[0062] In various embodiments, the basis weight of the surface layer 11 can range from about 5 gsm, 10 gsm, 15 gsm, 20 gsm, or 25 gsm to about 50 gsm, 100 gsm, 120 gsm, 125 gsm, or 150 gsm. For example, in one embodiment, the surface layer 11 can be constructed from an air-permeable carded web or a hydrospun fiber web with a basis weight ranging from about 15 gsm to about 100 gsm. In another example, the surface layer 11 can be constructed from an air-permeable carded web with a basis weight ranging from about 20 gsm to about 50 gsm. Alternatively, an open-cell membrane or pure cotton hydrospun material can be used. In various embodiments, the surface layer 11 can be made of a perforated polyethylene film with a basis weight ranging from about 15 gsm to about 30 gsm. In various embodiments, the surface layer 11 can be made of cotton material and have a basis weight of about 25 gsm to about 50 gsm.

[0063] In various embodiments, the surface layer 11 is hydrophilic. The surface layer 11 may be formed of a material that is inherently hydrophilic, or it may be formed of a hydrophobic material that is then discarded with a hydrophilic coating, such as a surfactant additive.

[0064] In various embodiments, the topsheet 11 may be a multi-component topsheet 11, for example, having two or more different nonwoven or membrane materials. The central portion may be made of a first material, and the side portions may be made of the same or different material as the central portion. In such embodiments, the central portion may be at least partially hydrophilic, and the side portions may be inherently hydrophobic or may be treated with a hydrophobic coating. Examples of multi-component topsheet structures are generally described in U.S. Patent 5,961,505 to Coe, U.S. Patent 5,415,640 to Kirby, and U.S. Patent 6,117,523 to Sugahara, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0065] Streamline

[0066] The flow-guiding layer 13 helps the disposable absorbent product to absorb liquid quickly, effectively, and uniformly, preventing liquid from concentrating locally in the three-dimensional absorbent core layer 14, which could cause blockage in the absorbent core due to excessive absorption and further lead to backflow. In order to evenly distribute the absorbed bodily excretions, especially liquids, the flow-guiding layer 13 may be provided with a flow-guiding structure, such as having grooves oriented outward from the part corresponding to the center of the surface layer 11.

[0067] The flow guide layer 13 can have any longitudinal length dimension considered suitable. In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the flow guide layer 13 can be the same as the longitudinal length of the disposable absorbent article. In another embodiment, the longitudinal length of the flow guide layer 13 can be shorter than the longitudinal length of the disposable absorbent article. In such an embodiment, the flow guide layer 13 can be positioned at any desired location along the longitudinal length of the disposable absorbent article.

[0068] In various embodiments, the flow guiding layer 13 may comprise natural fibers, synthetic fibers, superabsorbent materials, woven materials, nonwoven materials, wet-laid fiber webs, substantially borderless air-laid fiber webs, operably bonded, stable air-laid fiber webs, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, porous films, such as those obtained from film suppliers like Texol (Italy) and Tredegar (USA), may be utilized. In various embodiments, the flow guiding layer 13 may be formed of substantially hydrophobic materials, such as nonwoven webs composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the nonwoven fiber web used to manufacture the flow guiding layer 13 may further include a hydrophilic treatment to further improve the fluid handling properties of the web. The hydrophilic treatment agents of this disclosure may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol laurate, polyethylene glycol lauryl ether, and combinations thereof. Suitable examples of polyethylene glycol laurates include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol 400 monolaurate, polyethylene glycol 600 monolaurate, polyethylene glycol 1000 monolaurate, polyethylene glycol 4000 monolaurate, polyethylene glycol 600 dilaurate, and combinations thereof. Suitable examples of polyethylene glycol lauryl ethers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol 600 lauryl ether. In various embodiments, the flow guide layer 13 may comprise short fibers or other lengths of conjugated fibers, bicomponent fibers, and / or homopolymer fibers, as well as mixtures of such fibers with other types of fibers. In various embodiments, the flow guide layer 13 may have fibers with a denier greater than about 5 denier. In various embodiments, the flow guide layer 13 may have fibers with a denier less than about 5 denier. In various embodiments, the flow guide layer 13 may be an adhesive carded web or an air-blown web. In various embodiments, the adhesive carded web may be, for example, a powder-bonded carded web, an infrared-bonded carded web, or an air-penetrating carded web.

[0069] In various embodiments, the basis weight of the flow guiding layer 13 may be at least about 10 or 20 gsm. In various embodiments, the basis weight of the flow guiding layer 13 may be from about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 gsm to about 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130 gsm. In various embodiments, the basis weight of the flow guiding layer 13 may be less than about 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, or 50 gsm.

[0070] Base film

[0071] The bottom membrane 15 is typically a liquid-impermeable portion of a disposable absorbent garment that faces the wearer. The bottom membrane 15 allows air or vapor to pass through the disposable absorbent garment while still preventing liquid passage. Any liquid-impermeable material can typically be used to form the bottom membrane 15. The bottom membrane 15 can consist of a single layer or multiple layers, and these single or multiple layers can themselves comprise similar or different materials. Suitable materials that can be used include microporous polymer membranes, such as polyolefin membranes or polyethylene or polypropylene, nonwoven materials and nonwoven laminates, and membrane / nonwoven laminates. The specific structure and composition of the bottom membrane 15 can be selected from a variety of known membranes and / or fabrics, wherein specific materials are suitably selected to provide desired levels of liquid barrier, strength, abrasion resistance, tactile properties, aesthetics, etc. In various embodiments, polyethylene membranes with a thickness of about 0.2 mil or 0.5 mil to about 3.0 mil or 5.0 mil can be used. Examples of the bottom membrane 15 can be polyethylene membranes, such as those available from Pliant Corp., Schaumburg, Illinois, USA. Another example could include a polypropylene film filled with calcium carbonate. In yet another embodiment, the base film 15 could be a hydrophobic nonwoven material with water-repellent properties, such as a nonwoven laminate, an example of which could be a spunbond, meltblown, meltblown-spunbond four-layer laminate.

[0072] For the sake of brevity and simplicity, any range of values ​​shown in this invention refers to all values ​​within that range and should be interpreted as supporting claims enumerating any subranges whose endpoints are all values ​​within the considered specified range. By way of hypothetical examples, disclosures with ranges of 1 to 5 should be considered to support claims with any of the following ranges: 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 2 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 3, 3 to 5, 3 to 4, and 4 to 5.

[0073] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​stated. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the value and a range of functionally equivalent values ​​around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

[0074] All documents referenced in the “Detailed Description” section are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant sections; any reference to any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art concerning the invention. In the event of any conflict between the meaning or definition of any term in this written document and any meaning or definition of a term in the incorporated documents, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall prevail.

[0075] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention.

[0076] When describing elements of the invention or preferred embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Many modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the above embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal direction (L) along its length, a transverse direction (W) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and a thickness direction (H), and comprising a surface layer (11), a flow guiding layer (13), a three-dimensional absorbent core layer (14) and a bottom film (15) from top to bottom in the thickness direction (H), and the absorbent article being divided into a front absorbent region (21), a middle absorbent region (22) and a rear absorbent region (23) from front to back in the longitudinal direction (L), characterized in that, The absorbent article located at least partially within the middle absorption zone (22) also includes an additional absorbent layer (12) located between the surface layer (11) and the flow guide layer (13).

2. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein, The front absorption region (21) includes a first absorption unit (211), the middle absorption region (22) includes a second absorption unit (221), and the rear absorption region (23) includes a third absorption unit (231). The portion of the three-dimensional absorption core layer (14) located within the regions of the first absorption unit (211), the second absorption unit (221), and the third absorption unit (231) is the first absorption core (141). The portion of the three-dimensional absorption core layer (14) located outside the regions of the first absorption unit (211), the second absorption unit (221), and the third absorption unit (231) is the second absorption core (142). The basis weight of the second absorption core (142) is less than the basis weight of the first absorption core (141).

3. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first absorption unit (211), the second absorption unit (221) and the third absorption unit (231) are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline of the disposable absorbent product.

4. The disposable absorbent article of claim 2, wherein, The basis weights of the first absorbent core (141) located in the regions of the first absorbent unit (211), the second absorbent unit (221) and the third absorbent unit (231) are 100-300 gsm, 100-570 gsm and 100-300 gsm, respectively.

5. The disposable absorbent article of claim 2, wherein, The basis weight of the second absorbent core (142) is 80-570 gsm.

6. The disposable absorbent article of claim 2, wherein, The additional absorption layer (12) is located inside the second absorption unit (221) and has an outer contour of arbitrary shape, and the area of ​​the additional absorption layer (12) is not greater than the area of ​​the second absorption unit (221).

7. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 6, characterized in that, The portion of the absorbent article located within the outer contour of the additional absorbent layer (12) is 0.5 mm to 10 mm higher than the rest.

8. The disposable absorbent article of claim 2, wherein, The first absorbent core (141) is 0.5 mm to 10 mm higher than the second absorbent core (142).

9. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein, The top of the surface layer (11) is covered with fins (150) on both sides of the transverse (W).

10. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle absorption region (22) has raised portions (32) on both sides of the transverse (W) that are higher than the surface layer (11).

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